I have been blessed through my life with special people doing special things for no reason other than to practice random kindness. This year especially, I have been the recipient of many wonderful and amazing acts of kindness....some from people I have never met in person. I have believed in paying it forward for many years....in whatever way I am able......not for recognition, but because it is the right thing to do to make this world better. During this giving season I think it is even more important than ever.....not to fixate on material things and racking up gifts.....but practicing random acts of kindness to those we know and love or those in need. I know lots of people say it, but doing it is where it counts. You may be surprised at how it makes you feel :) Once you start it is virtually impossible to stop...LOL! It's not just in the big acts either....even small ones may affect someone in ways you may never know.....a cup of coffee shared....a warm hug....being a support. YOU may be the turning point in their life for the better. I know from where I speak.....someone did that for me and it was life changing. It doesn't matter what religion or philosophy you follow.....following your heart to help a fellow human being is the important thing. May your holiday season be bright, warm, and full of goodwill ♥

These are all things I loved as a kid....and I have to say that I truly still do. Imagination is the best gift you can give a child....let them explore the vast worlds of make-believe....it will make them better human beings and will grow their creative side. We seem to be losing this in our technology ridden world. When I give a gift to a child, I am known to give art supplies, dress up goods, or those books that fuel the imagination. So many adults have lost their "child".....most creative people have not, thank goodness......let's hope children never do. Those children who have had their creativity fostered will be the ones to keep art alive, help species from becoming endangered/extinct, explorers of things still unknown, keepers of our parks and wild places. It saddens me to see so many schools doing away with the arts and even recess.....children are in danger of becoming automatons only driven by the almighty dollar. Play, create, & pretend should never leave our vocabulary. I'll step down from my soapbox now...LOL! :) Just something to think about when shopping for holiday gifts :)

Kim Schmidt: All these things are my daughter's favorite things still at 10 years old. She loves to up-cycle what would otherwise be considered trash into toys for her plushies to play with and art to decorate the house with.

I love this list. It's almost perfect. They forgot the newspaper, though. It's great for hats, boats, and paper mache!

Oooh, and puddles. You can't make good mud with the dirt without puddles.

Updates on Hank the Black Lab's health, a funding ticker and the current featured item donated by a generous artisan. If you haven't seen this yet, check it out if only to see how awesome human beings can be.